2010 High School Throws Preview

A tame Minnesota spring should lead to some big performances in the throws this season in the Minnesota high school ranks. The 2010 season may go down as one of the best seasons for the shot put in the history of Minnesota.

Even with the graduation all-time greats Jessica Cagle (Grand Rapids), Casey Dehn (Owatonna), and Sean Wallace (Owatonna) there are many returners from last season's State Meet who should make 2010 memorable.

Red Wing Junior Luke Johnson is already the 20th-best shot putter all-time in Minnesota. His marks from 2009 (60-9 3/4 shot, 173-2 discus) are each the second farthest recorded marks by a sophomore, behind the state's all-time record holder in shot put, Nate Englin, and top-throwing sophomore discus thrower, Mike Yonkey.

Johnson will likely have company over the 60-foot line this season. South Dakota State Football recruit and Blaine standout, Dijon Starr (58- 7 1/2) and Logan Hussung of Farmington (56-4 1/2) are among the leading contenders.

On the girls' side, future Gopher, Kim Hovey (Red Wing) is the returning state champion in the Class AA shot put and is looking to capture her first discus title. Hovey will face stiff competition in the discus circle from St. Francis freshmen, Maggie Ewen (135-0), and New Prague junior Elly Reinke (135-8).

Some not-so-under the radar names to watch in 2010 include:

Eden Prairie senior, Tyler Kubler, whose lone indoor performance (56-7) ranks him 43rd nationally is already 4 feet farther than his top mark of 2009 is proving why he's one of the most highly recruited throwers in the Midwest.

Owatonna, who has claimed 4 of the last 6 Class AA throws titles returns Jake Fensky (Junior) as their top thrower. Owatonna has not had a problem replacing top talent over the last few years.

Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony junior, Jesse Reemtsma is the #2 returning discus thrower (170-1).

Last season, sophomores Bryce Johnson (Champlin Park) and Thomas Anderson (Andover) had the 4th and 5th best marks in the shot by freshmen all-time in Minnesota. Don't be surprised if one, or both, put up some monster marks this season. These two should be very fun to watch over the next three years.